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23
Mar
Level crossing in Knaresborough may be closed permanently, rail company confirms
Network Rail has said that Frogmire Lane level crossing in Knaresborough is one of the 10 most dangerous in Yorkshire, and it may look to close it permanently.
The company closed the crossing last month as a temporary emergency measure after a child was nearly hit by a train.
The closure was initially ordered for a period of 21 days, but that has been extended and access to the crossing is now barred by spiked metal fencing.
A Network Rail spokesperson told the Stray Ferret:
A temporary fence has been installed at the crossing to support a traffic reduction order following a significant increase in trespass and vandalism.
The safety risk at this location is high, and we’re exploring a permanent closure through the council.
The crossing when it was open.
When it closed the crossing in February, Network Rail listed several reasons for the move. It said the curved railway alignment severely restricted pedestrian sight lines, and this was exacerbated by vegetation during spring and summer.
Trees and bushes need to be regularly cut back, and on one side that involves maintenance teams abseiling down the embankment to carry out the work.
Network Rail also said that trains approaching from York are often coasting when approaching Knaresborough station, and so are very quiet and may not be heard by people using the crossing, many of whom are schoolchildren.
It had been suggested that trains could sound their horn as they approach the crossing to warn pedestrians, but a spokesperson said:
Other forms of mitigation have been looked into and would not be practicable at this location.
Closing the crossing, Network Rail also cited long-standing problems of misuse and vandalism.
The spokesperson added:
This crossing is among the highest‑risk in Yorkshire, with a history of misuse, restricted visibility, very quiet approaching trains and several near‑miss incidents involving children.
We fully understand the impact this has on the community and we’re sorry for any inconvenience, but safety must always come first. We will continue to work with the council and the community as plans progress.
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